Bhubaneswar: Controversy has surfaced over Confederation of Indian Industry's (CII) withdrawal from the Make in Odisha conclave scheduled to be held in November this year. The BJD has blamed the CII's eastern region chairperson Jagi Mangat Panda for such a decision of the confederation. On the other hand Jagi Panda has refuted the allegations.
BJD spokesperson, Sasmit Patra said that till February this year the CII was supporting the Make in Odisha Conclave and the party feels that the confederation has taken such a stance after Jagi Panda was appointed its eastern region chairperson. It is condemnable, Sasmit added.
However, Jagi Panda quashed the allegations saying "I was neither aware nor involved in these discussions. I am not in Odisha State Committee and have only just taken over as the Eastern Region Chairperson. In fact, all issues in Odisha are handled by the Odisha state council chairperson and vice-chairperson. I have not been involved in the workings of CII in Odisha for many years now. CII state offices always work closely with the State governments in all their endeavours. CII Odisha State Office will also provide all support to the government of Odisha in making Make in Odisha a grand success."
In a related development, CII Chairman (Odisha chapter) Arun Mishra and its Vice Chairman Subrat Sarangi have tendered their resignations. However, the CII (Odisha chapter) is yet to comment on the allegations levelled by the BJD.